Garment packaging systems and methods with garment insert

ABSTRACT

A garment insert may comprise: a body panel including an upper edge and a slot below the upper edge; a first support flap extending away from the upper edge and including a first locking member configured to be inserted into the slot, the first support flap configured to fold towards the body panel to form a first portion of a hanger feature opening and to allow the first locking member to insert into the slot; and a second support flap extending away from the upper edge and including a second locking member configured to be inserted into the slot, the second support flap configured to fold towards the body panel to form a second portion of the hanger feature opening and to allow the second locking member to be inserted into the slot.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field relates to containers for packaging clothing. Morespecifically, the technical field relates to collapsible containers forpackaging garments, including formal wear.

BACKGROUND

Formal and semi-formal garments often needs to be transported from onelocation to another. As one example, a person may want to transportformal or semi-formal garments to a venue before an event to dress atthe event location. As another example, a person traveling to a formalor semi-formal event may want to pack nice garments in luggage to betransported on a car or plane. As yet another example, a clothing rentalservice may want to send formal or semi-formal garments to a customer bymail or parcel service.

Packing formal or semi-formal garments, however, is not easy. Slacks,tuxedos, suits, etc., and accessories (neckties, bowties, socks,cummerbunds, etc.) are often made of delicate materials that crumpleand/or crease easily. The shape of shoes, similarly, may get distortedwhen packed, and may cause additional crumpling and/or creasing ofslacks, shirts, and/or jackets if packed together. Garment bags are notdesigned for transport by mail or parcel service, and do not protect thecontents if a heavy item is placed upon the garment bags. Systems andmethods that allow formal or semi-formal garments to be effectivelypacked and transported would be desirable.

SUMMARY

A garment box may include: a base panel; a roof panel opposite the basepanel; a rear sidewall coupled to the base panel and the roof panel; afirst right sidewall; a first left sidewall opposite the first rightsidewall; a first front sidewall opposite the rear sidewall, the firstfront sidewall including a hanger slot for receiving a hanger, andincluding a hanger channel extending from the hanger slot, the hangerchannel configured to secure the hanger to the first front sidewall; anda second front sidewall coupled to the first front sidewall and the basepanel, the second front sidewall being spaced apart from the first frontsidewall by a gap, a portion of the clothes hanger residing in the gap.

In some embodiments, the first left sidewall comprises a left hookconfigured to receive a left attachment handle of a garment bag tosecure the left attachment handle of the garment bag to the first leftsidewall. The first right sidewall may comprise a right hook configuredto receive a right attachment handle of a garment bag to secure theright attachment handle of the garment bag to the first right sidewall.

The second front sidewall may include handle slots for securing a boxhandle to the box. In an embodiment, the first front sidewall includes afront sidewall base spacer for maintaining the gap when the box isclosed. The first front sidewall may include a front sidewall roofspacer for maintaining the gap when the box is closed.

The box may further comprise a front flap coupled to the roof panel, thefront flap configured to cover the first front sidewall when the box isclosed. Further, the box may comprise a right locking flap and a leftlocking flap coupled to the front flap, the right locking flapconfigured to lock into a right sidewall flap opening of the first frontsidewall, and the left locking flap configured to lock into a leftsidewall flap opening of the first front sidewall.

In some embodiments, the front flap comprises a box handle opening, thebox handle opening configured to receive a portion of a box handle. Thebox may further comprise a second right sidewall coupled to the firstright sidewall and the base panel, the second right sidewall forming anouter right sidewall of the box. The box may further comprise a secondleft sidewall coupled to the first left sidewall and the base panel, thesecond left sidewall forming an outer left sidewall of the box.

In an embodiment, the first front sidewall comprises front protrusionsand the base panel comprises front base slots configured to receive thefront protrusions to secure the first front sidewall to the base panel.The box may further comprise further comprising a right roof supportingflap coupled to the roof panel and a left roof supporting flap coupledto the roof panel, the right roof supporting flap and the left roofsupporting flap being configured to support the roof panel while the boxis closed.

The box may be substantially made of a cardboard blank. In variousembodiments, the cardboard blank is a corrugated cardboard blank.

A method may comprise: obtaining a cardboard blank; forming a base panelby folding the cardboard blank along at least one base panel fold line;forming a roof panel opposite the base panel by folding the cardboardblank along at least one roof panel fold line; forming a rear sidewallcoupled to the base panel and the roof panel by folding the blank alongat least one rear sidewall fold line; forming a first right sidewall byfolding the cardboard blank along a first right sidewall fold line;forming a first left sidewall opposite the first right sidewall byfolding the cardboard blank along a first left sidewall fold line;forming a first front sidewall opposite the rear sidewall by folding thecardboard blank along at least one first front sidewall fold line, thefirst front sidewall including a hanger slot for receiving a hanger, andincluding a hanger channel extending from the hanger slot, the hangerchannel configured to secure the hanger to the first front sidewall; andforming a second front sidewall coupled to the first front sidewall andthe base panel by folding the cardboard blank along at least one secondsidewall fold line, the second front sidewall being spaced apart fromthe first front sidewall by a gap, a portion of the clothes hangerresiding in the gap.

In some embodiments, the first left sidewall comprises a left hookconfigured to receive a left attachment handle of a garment bag tosecure the left attachment handle of the garment bag to the first leftsidewall. The first right sidewall may comprise a right hook configuredto receive a right attachment handle of a garment bag to secure theright attachment handle of the garment bag to the first right sidewall.The cardboard blank may be a corrugated cardboard blank.

A box may comprise: a base panel; a roof panel opposite the base panel;a rear sidewall coupled to the base panel and the roof panel; a firstright sidewall; a first left sidewall opposite the first right sidewall;a first front sidewall opposite the rear sidewall, the first frontsidewall including means for receiving a hanger, and including a meansfor securing the hanger to the first front sidewall; and a second frontsidewall coupled to the first front sidewall and the base panel, thesecond front sidewall being spaced apart from the first front sidewallby a gap, a portion of the clothes hanger residing in the gap.

A shoe box may include a base panel; a roof panel opposite and spacedfrom the base panel; at least one rear panel coupled to the base paneland the roof panel; at least one front panel coupled to the base paneland the roof panel, the at least one front panel opposite and spacedfrom the at least one rear panel, the base panel, and the roof panel,the at least one rear panel and the at least one front panel forming atubular cavity for receiving at least one shoe therein; and left andright side support structures configured to assist in spacing the basepanel from a base of a garment receptacle by a first distance, andconfigured to assist in spacing the roof panel from a roof of thegarment receptacle by a second distance, when the shoe box is insertedinto the garment receptacle.

In some embodiments, the first distance allows a first portion of agarment to reside between base panel of the shoe box and the base of thegarment box, and the second distance allows a second portion of thegarment to reside between the roof panel of the shoe box and the roof ofthe garment box, thereby preventing a total weight of the shoe box fromresting on the garment.

The left and right side structures may comprise a plurality of wings,each of the plurality of wings being formed from the base panel or theroof panel. The plurality of wings may comprise left and right basewings formed from the base panel, each of the left and right base wingscomprising base flaps configured to be received by lateral base slots onthe base panel. Moreover, the plurality of wings may comprise left andright roof wings formed from the roof panel, each of the left and rightroof wings comprising roof flaps configured to be received by lateralroof slots on the roof panel.

In various embodiments, the left and right support structures comprise aleft ring positioned around the left side of the shoe box and a rightring positioned around the right side of the shoe box. The left andrights support structures may comprise support protrusions attached tothe left and right sides of the shoe box. The left and right sides ofthe shoe box may remain open.

In some embodiments, the length of each of the base panel, the roofpanel, the at least one rear panel and the at least one front panel areeach about the length of the garment receptacle.

The shoe box may be formed from a single blank. The garment may be in agarment bag.

A method may comprise: positioning a garment within a garmentreceptacle, the garment receptacle having a receptacle base and areceptacle roof; and inserting, within the garment receptacle over atleast a portion of the garment, a shoe box comprising: a base panel; aroof panel opposite and spaced from the base panel; at least one rearpanel coupled to the base panel and the roof panel; at least one frontpanel coupled to the base panel and the roof panel, the at least onefront panel being opposite and spaced from the at least one rear panel,the base panel, and the roof panel, the at least one rear panel and theat least one front panel forming a tubular cavity for receiving at leastone shoe therein; and left and right side support structures configuredto assist in spacing the base panel from the receptacle base of thegarment receptacle by a first distance, and configured to assist inspacing the roof panel from the receptacle roof of the garmentreceptacle by a second distance, when the shoe box is inserted into thegarment receptacle.

The garment may be positioned around the shoe box. The left and rightside support structures may comprise a pair of base wings and a pair ofroof wings. The left and right side structures may comprise left andright side rings positioned around left and right sides of the shoe box.The left and right side structures may comprise support protrusionsattached to left and right sides of the shoe box. Left and right sidesof the shoe box remain open. The length of each of the base panel, theroof panel, the at least one rear panel and the at least one front panelmay each be about the length of the garment receptacle. The garment mayreside in a garment bag.

A box may comprise: a base panel; a roof panel opposite and spaced fromthe base panel; at least one rear panel coupled to the base panel andthe roof panel; at least one front panel coupled to the base panel andthe roof panel, the at least one front panel opposite and spaced fromthe at least one rear panel, the base panel, the roof panel, the atleast one rear panel and the at least one front panel forming a tubularcavity for receiving at least one shoe therein; means for spacing thebase panel from a base of a garment receptacle by a first distance; andmeans for spacing the roof panel from a roof of the garment receptacleby a second distance, when the shoe box is inserted into the garmentbox.

A garment bag may comprise: a top; a bottom opposite the top; a firstopening configured to receive into the garment bag a garment hanging ona hanger, the hanger having a hanger feature for holding the hanger; asecond opening adjacent the top of the garment bag and configured toreceive the hanger feature therethrough; a left attachment handlepositioned adjacent the bottom of the garment bag and positioned tocooperate with a left hook on a left sidewall of a garment receptacle;and a right attachment handle positioned adjacent the bottom of thegarment bag and positioned to cooperate with a right hook on a rightsidewall of the garment receptacle.

In some embodiments, the garment bag is made of fabric. The left andright attachment handles may be fabric handles. The first opening may bealong a right side or a left side of the garment bag.

In an embodiment, the garment bag further comprises a zipper for openingand closing the first opening. The garment bag may further comprisehandles for carrying the garment bag.

The garment bag may further comprise: one or more top fastenerspositioned adjacent the top of the garment bag; and one or more bottomfasteners positioned adjacent the bottom of the garment bag, the bottomconfigured to removably fasten to the top fasteners in a foldedposition. In various embodiments, the hanger feature is a hanger hook.

A method may comprise: positioning a garment on a hanger, the hangerhaving a hanger feature for holding the hanger; inserting the garment onthe hanger into a first opening of a garment bag, the garment bag havinga top and a bottom, the garment bag further having a left attachmenthandle positioned adjacent the bottom of the garment bag, the garmentbag further having a right attachment handle positioned adjacent thebottom of the garment bag; inserting the hanger feature through a secondopening adjacent the top of the garment bag; inserting the garment baginto a garment receptacle having left hook on a left sidewall of thegarment receptacle and a right hook on a right sidewall of the garmentreceptacle; attaching the hanger feature to the top of the garmentreceptacle; folding the garment bag over so that the bottom comes intocontact with the top of the garment bag; attaching the left attachmenthandle to the left hook; and attaching the right attachment handle tothe right hook.

A garment bag may comprise: a top; a bottom opposite the top; a firstopening configured to receive into the garment bag a garment hanging ona hanger, the hanger having holding means for holding the hanger; asecond opening adjacent the top of the garment bag and configured toreceive the holding means therethrough; means positioned adjacent thebottom of the garment bag for cooperating with a left attachment meanson a left sidewall of a garment receptacle; and means positionedadjacent the bottom of the garment bag for cooperating with a rightattachment means on a right sidewall of the garment receptacle.

A garment insert may comprise: a body panel including an upper edge anda slot below the upper edge; a first support flap extending away fromthe upper edge and including a first locking member configured to beinserted into the slot, the first support flap configured to foldtowards the body panel to form a first portion of a hanger featureopening and to allow the first locking member to insert into the slot;and a second support flap extending away from the upper edge andincluding a second locking member configured to be inserted into theslot, the second support flap configured to fold towards the body panelto form a second portion of the hanger feature opening and to allow thesecond locking member to be inserted into the slot.

In some embodiments, the first support flap when folded creates a firsthanger arm opening. The second support flap when folded may create asecond hanger arm opening.

The garment insert may be formed from a single cardboard blank.Moreover, the body panel may include a width based on a button downshirt. The body panel may include a length based on a button down shirt.

A method may comprise: obtaining a garment insert comprising: a bodypanel including an upper edge and a slot below the upper edge; a firstsupport flap extending away from the upper edge and including a firstlocking member configured to be inserted into the slot, the firstsupport flap configured to fold towards the body panel to form a firstportion of a hanger feature opening and to allow the first lockingmember to insert into the slot; and a second support flap extending awayfrom the upper edge and including a second locking member configured tobe inserted into the slot, the second support flap configured to foldtowards the body panel to form a second portion of the hanger featureopening and to allow the second locking member to be inserted into theslot; positioning on the body panel a hanger with a first arm, a secondarm, and a hanger feature; folding the first support flap over the firstarm of the hanger towards the body panel; inserting the first lockingmember into the slot; folding the second support flap over the secondarm of the hanger towards the body panel; and inserting the secondlocking member into the slot, thereby securing the hanger between thebody panel and the first and second support flaps such that the hangerfeature extends into the hanger feature opening.

A garment insert may comprise: a body panel including an upper edge andat least one fastening mechanism below the upper edge; a first supportflap extending away from the upper edge and including a first lockingmember configured to attach to the at least one fastening mechanism, thefirst support flap configured to fold towards the body panel to form afirst portion of a hanger feature opening and to allow the first lockingmember to attach to the at least one fastening mechanism; and a secondsupport flap extending away from the upper edge and including a secondlocking member configured to attach to the at least one fasteningmechanism, the second support flap configured to fold towards the bodypanel to form a second portion of the hanger feature opening and toallow the second locking member to attach to the at least one fasteningmechanism.

Other features and embodiments may be apparent from the accompanyingdrawings and from the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a garment packaging system,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 is diagram showing an example of a blank used to construct agarment box, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is diagram showing an example of a garment box, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 4 is diagram showing an example of a garment box, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 5 is diagram showing an example of a garment box, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 6 is diagram showing an example of a garment box, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 7 is diagram showing an example of a garment box, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 8 is diagram showing an example of a garment box, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 9A is diagram showing an example of a blank used to construct ashoe box, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9B is diagram showing an example of a shoe box, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 9C is diagram showing an example of a shoe box, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 9D is diagram showing an example of a shoe box, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 10 is diagram showing an example of a shoe box, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 11 is diagram showing an example of a shoe box, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 12 is diagram showing an example of a shoe box, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 13 is diagram showing an example of a shoe box, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 14 is diagram showing an example of a shoe box, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 15 is diagram showing an example of a shoe box, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 16 is diagram showing an example of a shoe box, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 17 is diagram showing an example of a shoe box, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 18 is diagram showing an example of a shoe box, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 19 is diagram showing an example of a shoe box, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 20 is diagram showing an example of a garment bag, according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 21 is diagram showing an example of a garment bag, according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 22 is diagram showing an example of a garment bag, according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 23 is diagram showing an example of a garment bag, according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a hanger being inserted into a hanger slot,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an attachment handle being coupled to ahook, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a shoe box being inserted on top of agarment bag into a garment box, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a garment box being closed, according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of a blank used to construct agarment insert, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a rear view of a garment insert, accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a front view of a garment insert, accordingto some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments of garment packaging systems disclosed herein allowformal and semi-formal garments to be packaged while being protectedfrom significant crumpling and/or creasing. FIG. 1 is a diagram showingan example of a garment packaging system 100, according to someembodiments. The garment packaging system 100 may include a garment box102, a shoe box 104, and a garment bag 106. A tuxedo 108 and shoes 110are also shown, although any garment in need of protection may bepacked. The garment box 102, the shoe box 104, and the garment bag 106may each be designed to have garments, including slacks, jackets, shoes,and accessories (neckties, bowties, socks, cummerbunds, etc.) packagedand/or transported. As discussed further herein, the garment box 102,the shoe box 104, and the garment bag 106 may be designed so that theshapes, creases, and other attributes of items packaged therein arepreserved without being distorted. The garment packaging system 100 maybe used with dresses, shoes and accessories.

The garment box 102 may form a container for holding the shoe box 104and the garment bag 106. In some embodiments, the garment box 102includes a roof 102 a, a base 102 b, a right side 102 c, a left side 102d, a front 102 e, and a rear 102 f, as shown in FIG. 1. The right side102 c, the left side 102 d, and the front 102 e may each be formed byinner sidewalls and outer sidewalls. The garment box 102 may be made ofcardboard, paperboard, and/or other relevant material. FIGS. 2-8 and24-27 show details and assembly of the garment box 102. Morespecifically, FIG. 2 shows a blank from which the garment box 102 may beformed. FIGS. 3-8 show how the blank in FIG. 2 can be folded to assemblethe garment box 102. FIGS. 24-27 show how the shoe box 104 and thegarment bag 106 can be loaded into the garment box 102.

The shoe box 104 may include a container for holding the shoes 110. Invarious embodiments, the shoes 110 may be inserted into the shoe box 104through the openings on the sides of the shoe box 104. The shoe box 104may include a roof 104 a, a base 104 b, a right side 104 c, a left side104 d, a front 104 e, and a rear 104 f. The shoe box 104 may furtherinclude roof wings 102 g and base wings 102 h that float the shoe box104 above the garments and secure the shoe box 104 from moving whileinside the garment box 102.

In some embodiments, the shoe box 104 is oriented such that the roof 104a faces upward when the shoe box 104 is inserted into the garment box102. However, it is noted the shoe box 104 may be oriented in adifferent manner in various embodiments. For instance, in someembodiments, the shoe box 104 is oriented so that the roof 104 a facesthe front 102 e or the rear 102 f of the garment box 102. In theseembodiments, the front 104 e and/or the rear 104 f of the shoe box 104may face the base 102 b of the garment box 102. Such embodiments mayhave the advantage of not crushing garments in the garment bag 106 whenthe shoe box 104 and the garment bag 106 are inserted into the garmentbox 102.

In some embodiments, the shoe box 104 may be inserted into the garmentbox 102 after the garment bag 106 has been inserted into the garment box102. The shoe box 104 may be made of cardboard, paperboard, or otherrelevant material. FIGS. 9-19 and 24-27 show details and assembly of theshoe box 104. More specifically, FIG. 9A shows a blank from which theshoe box 104 can be formed. FIGS. 10-19 show how the blank in FIG. 9Acan be folded to assemble the shoe box 104. FIGS. 24-27 show how theshoe box 104 can be loaded into the garment box 102.

The garment bag 106 may hold garments to be protected, such as thetuxedo 108. In various embodiments, the garment bag 106 includes ahanger slot for hangers used to hang the garments and/or accessories.The hanger slot may be designed to be aligned with a hanger slot and/orhanger channel of the garment box 102. The garment bag 106 may furtherinclude an attachment handle that allows the garment bag 106 to beattached to hooks in the garment box 102. In various embodiments, thegarment bag 106 includes a medial fold line, along which the garment bag106 may be folded when inserted into the garment box 102. After foldingalong the medial fold line, the garment bag 106 may surround the shoebox 104 when the garment bag 106 and the shoe box 104 are inside thegarment box 102. The garment bag 106 may be made of fabric or othermaterial. FIGS. 20-27 show details of the garment bag 106. Morespecifically, FIGS. 20-23 show several perspectives of the garment bag106. FIGS. 24-27 show how the garment bag 106 can be loaded into thegarment box 102.

The garment packaging system 100 may further include a garment insertthat is inserted into specific types of garments (e.g., shirts) beforethe garments are hung on hangers. In some embodiments, the garmentinsert supports the garments by keeping the garments wide and/or flatwhen the garments are hung on a hanger. As discussed further herein, thegarment insert may be formed out of a cardboard blank that has a bodyand support flaps. The body may include a slot. The support flaps may becoupled to the slot. When assembled, the garment insert may include ahanger hook (or other hanging feature such as a ball, loop, flange,etc.) opening that receives a hanger hook of a hanger hanging thegarment. The garment insert may further include hanger arm openings thatreceive hanger arms of the hanger. In various embodiments, the garmentinsert is used to support specific types of garments (e.g., shirts)before these specific types of garments are placed into the garment bag106. FIGS. 28-30 show details and assembly of the garment insert. Morespecifically, FIG. 28 shows a blank from which the garment insert may beformed. FIG. 29 shows a rear view of the garment insert, and FIG. 30shows a front view of the garment insert.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a blank used to construct thegarment box 102, according to some embodiments. The blank may be formedfrom a single sheet of material, such as cardboard, paperboard, etc. Asan example, the blank may be formed from a corrugated cardboard blank.

The garment box 102 may include a front flap 202, a right locking flap214 a, a left locking flap 214 b, a roof panel 204, a right roofsupporting flap 218 a, a left roof supporting flap 218 b, a rearsidewall 206, a rear right support flap 220 a, a rear left support flap220 b, a base panel 208, an inner right sidewall 222 a, an inner leftsidewall 222 b, an outer right sidewall 224 a, an outer left sidewall224 b, an outer front sidewall 210, a front right support flap 220 c, afront left support flap 220 d, and an inner front sidewall 212.

The front flap 202 may comprise a flap that has dimensions correspondingto dimensions of the front 102 e of the garment box 102. The front flap202 may be rectangular or have any convenient shape. In someembodiments, the front flap 202 may have length and width dimensionssimilar to the length and width dimensions of the outer front sidewall210, discussed further herein. The front flap 202 may include a boxhandle opening 216 for receiving a box handle. In various embodiments,the box handle opening 216 is configured to allow a box handle of thegarment box 102 to pass through when the garment box 102 has beenassembled.

The front flap 202 may be coupled to a right locking flap 214 a and aleft locking flap 214 b. The right locking flap 214 a may be formed by aright outer curve. In some embodiments, the right outer curve mayinclude an arc that begins at a top right corner of the front flap 202,forms a point near a bottom right corner of the front flap 202, andforms a line that connects the point to the bottom right corner of thefront flap 202. The right locking flap 214 a may be coupled to therectangular central portion of the front flap 202 by a right lockingflap fold line 240 a. The right locking flap 214 a may have dimensionsthat allow the tip of the right outer curve to be inserted into theright sidewall flap opening 258 a.

The left locking flap 214 b may be formed by a left outer curve. Theleft outer curve may include an arc that begins at a top left corner ofthe front flap 202, forms a point near a bottom left corner of the frontflap 202, and forms a line that connects the point to the bottom leftcorner of the front flap 202. The left locking flap 214 b may be coupledto the rectangular central portion of the front flap 202 by a leftlocking flap fold line 240 b. The left locking flap 214 b may havedimensions that allow the tip of the left outer curve to be insertedinto the left sidewall flap opening 258 b.

The roof panel 204 may comprise a panel that has dimensionscorresponding to dimensions of the roof 102 a of the garment box 102.The roof panel 204 may be rectangular or have any convenient shape. Insome embodiments, a width dimension of the roof panel 204 may correspondto a width of the base panel 208, discussed further herein. Further, alength dimension of the roof panel 204 may correspond to the sum of alength of the base panel 208 and a length of the front sidewall basespacer 266, discussed further herein. The roof panel 204 may be coupledto the front flap 202 by a front flap fold line 242. The roof panel 204may further be coupled to the rear sidewall by a roof panel fold line246.

The roof panel 204 may be coupled to the right roof supporting flap 218a by a right roof support flap fold line 244 a, and to the left roofsupporting flap 218 b by a left roof support flap fold line 244 b.

The right roof supporting flap 218 a may be formed by a right outercurve having a first narrow portion, a second narrow portion, and a wideportion. The first narrow portion of the right outer curve may comprisea first arc that begins at the top right corner of the roof panel 204,and levels off to a first line at a first distance parallel to the rightside of the roof panel 204. The second narrow portion of the right outercurve may comprise a second arc that begins at the first line parallelto the right side of the roof panel 204 and steps to a second line at asecond distance parallel to the right side of the roof panel 204. Thewide portion of the right outer curve may comprise a third arc thatbegins at the second line parallel to the right side of the roof panel204 and forms a third line at a third distance parallel to the rightside of the roof panel 204. The third arc may further connect the thirdline to the bottom right corner of the roof panel 204. The third arc mayform a small gap between the bottom right corner of the roof panel 204and the rear right support flap 220 a so that the right roof supportingflap 218 a may reside against the rear sidewall 206 when the garment box102 is assembled. In various embodiments, the right roof supporting flap218 a supports the roof panel 204 when the garment box 102 is built.

The left roof supporting flap 218 b may be formed by a left outer curvehaving a first narrow portion, a second narrow portion, and a wideportion. The first narrow portion of the right outer curve may comprisea first arc that begins at the top left corner of the roof panel 204,and levels off to a first line at a first distance parallel to the leftside of the roof panel 204. The second narrow portion of the left outercurve may comprise a second arc that begins at the first line parallelto the left side of the roof panel 204 and steps to a second line at asecond distance parallel to the left side of the roof panel 204. Thewide portion of the left outer curve may comprise a third arc thatbegins at the second line parallel to the left side of the roof panel204 and forms a third line at a third distance parallel to the left sideof the roof panel 204. The third arc may further connect the third lineto the bottom left corner of the roof panel 204. The third arc may forma small gap between the bottom left corner of the roof panel 204 and therear left support flap 220 b so that the left roof supporting flap 218 bmay reside against the rear sidewall 206 when the garment box 102 isbuilt. In various embodiments, the left roof supporting flap 218 bsupports the roof panel 204 when the garment box 102 is assembled.

The rear sidewall 206 may comprise a panel that has dimensionscorresponding to the rear 102 f of the garment box 102. The rearsidewall 206 may be rectangular or have any convenient shape. The rearsidewall 206 may be coupled to the roof panel 204 by the roof panel foldline 246.

The rear sidewall 206 may be coupled to the rear right support flap 220a by a right rear support flap fold line 248 a, and to the rear leftsupport flap 220 b by a left rear support flap fold line 248 b. The rearright support flap 220 a may comprise a flap that is separated from theright roof supporting flap 218 a and the outer right sidewall 224 a byincisions. The rear right support flap 220 a may be rectangular or haveany convenient shape. In some embodiments, the rear right support flap220 a has a length dimension corresponding to a length of the rearsidewall 206, and has a width dimension corresponding to a width of theouter right sidewall 224 a. The rear right support flap 220 a mayprovide support for the right side of the rear sidewall 206 when thegarment box 102 is built. In various embodiments, the rear right supportflap 220 a is surrounded by the inner right sidewall 222 a and the outerright sidewall 224 a when the garment box 102 is built.

Further, the rear left support flap 220 b may comprise a flap that isseparated from the left roof supporting flap 218 b and the outer leftsidewall 224 b by incisions. The rear left support flap 220 b may berectangular or have any convenient shape. The rear left support flap 220b may have a length dimension corresponding to a length of the rearsidewall 206, and a width dimension corresponding to a width of theouter left sidewall 224 b. The rear left support flap 220 b may providesupport for the left side of the rear sidewall 206 when the garment box102 is built. In various embodiments, the rear left support flap 220 bis surrounded by the inner left sidewall 222 b and the outer leftsidewall 224 b when the garment box 102 is built.

The base panel 208 may comprise a panel that has dimensionscorresponding to the base 102 b of the garment box 102. The base panel208 may be rectangular or have any convenient shape. The base panel 208may have width dimensions that correspond to width dimensions of theroof panel 204. Further, the base panel 208 may have a length dimensionthat corresponds to a difference of the length dimension of the roofpanel 204 and the length dimension of the front sidewall base spacer266, as discussed further herein. The base panel 208 may be coupled tothe rear sidewall 206 by a rear base panel fold line 252 c.

The base panel 208 may include right base slots 226 a, left base slots226 b, and front base slots 228. The right base slots 226 a, the leftbase slots 226 b, and the front base slots 228 may each comprise a setof slots configured to receive protrusions. For example, the right baseslots 226 a may include a set of slots to receive right protrusions 236a, as discussed further herein. The left base slots 226 b may include aset of slots to receive left protrusions 236 b, as discussed furtherherein. The front base slots 228 may include a set of slots to receivefront protrusions 260, as discussed further herein. In the illustratedexample, each of the right base slots 226 a, the left base slots 226 b,and the front base slots 228 comprise three slots. However, it is notedthat in various embodiments, one or more of the right base slots 226,the left base slots 226 b, and the front base slots 228 may comprisemore or less than three base slots without departing from the scope andsubstance of the inventive concepts described herein.

In various embodiments, the base panel 208 includes a base gap area 270.The base gap area 270 may be defined as the region of the base panel 208between the front base slots 228 and the outer front sidewall 210. Asdescribed further herein, when the garment box 102 has been assembled,the base gap area 270 may create an opening between the outer frontsidewall 210 and the inner front sidewall 212. The opening may receiveat least a portion of a hanger.

The inner right sidewall 222 a may comprise a panel with dimensionscorresponding to the right side 102 c of the garment box 102. The innerright sidewall 222 a may be rectangular or have any convenient shape.The inner right sidewall 222 a may include a right hook 230 a and rightprotrusions 236 a, The right hook 230 a may include an angled openingthat can receive straps of the garment bag 106 to secure the garment bagto the inner right sidewall 222 a. In various embodiments, the rightprotrusions 236 a may have dimensions corresponding to the right baseslots 226 a. For example, the length of each of the right protrusions236 a may correspond to the length of each of the right base slots 226a.

Further, in various embodiments, the bottom side of the inner rightsidewall 222 a includes a narrow area that aligns with the base gap area270. The narrow area may allow an opening to be created between theouter front sidewall 210 and the inner front sidewall 212.

The inner left sidewall 222 b may comprise a panel with dimensionscorresponding to the left side 102 d of the garment box 102. The innerleft sidewall 222 b may be rectangular or have any convenient shape. Theinner left sidewall 222 b may include a left hook 230 b and leftprotrusions 236 b, The left hook 230 b may each include an angledopening that can receive straps of the garment bag 106 to secure thegarment bag to the inner left sidewall 222 b. In various embodiments,the left protrusions 236 b may have dimensions corresponding to the leftbase slots 226 b. For example, the length of each of the leftprotrusions 236 b may correspond to the length of each of the left baseslots 226 b. Further, in some embodiments, the bottom side of the innerleft sidewall 222 b includes a narrow area that aligns with the base gaparea 270. The narrow area may allow an opening to be created between theouter front sidewall 210 and the inner front sidewall 212.

The outer right sidewall 224 a may comprise a panel with dimensionscorresponding to the right side 102 c of the garment box 102. The outerright sidewall 224 a may be rectangular or have any convenient shape.The outer right sidewall 224 a may have a length dimension correspondingto the length of the base panel 208. The outer right sidewall 224 a mayfurther have a width dimension corresponding to a width of the rearright support flap 220 a and the front right support flap 220 c. Theouter right sidewall 224 a may be coupled to the base panel 208 by aright base panel fold line 252 a. The outer right sidewall 224 a may becoupled to the inner right sidewall 222 a by a right inner sidewall foldline 250 a.

The outer left sidewall 224 b may comprise a panel with dimensionscorresponding to the left side 102 d of the garment box 102. The outerleft sidewall 224 b may be rectangular or have any convenient shape. Theouter left sidewall 224 b may have a length dimension corresponding tothe length of the base panel 208. The outer left sidewall 224 b mayfurther have a width dimension corresponding to a width of the rear leftsupport flap 220 b and the front left support flap 220 d. The outer leftsidewall 224 b may be coupled to the base panel 208 by a left base panelfold line 252 b. The outer left sidewall 224 b may be coupled to theinner left sidewall 222 b by a left inner sidewall fold line 250 b.

The outer front sidewall 210 may comprise a panel with dimensionscorresponding to the front 102 e of the garment box 102. The outer frontsidewall 210 may be rectangular or have any convenient shape. The outerfront sidewall 210 may have length and width dimensions that correspondto length and width dimensions of the front flap 202 as discussedfurther herein. In some embodiments, the outer front sidewall 210includes handle slots 232 for a box handle to be coupled thereto.

The outer front sidewall 210 may be coupled to the base panel 208 by afront base panel fold line 252 d, to the front right support flap 220 cby a right front support flap fold line 254 a, and to the front leftsupport flap 220 d by a left front support flap fold line 254 b.

The front right support flap 220 c may comprise a flap that is separatedfrom the outer right sidewall 224 a by an incision. The front rightsupport flap 220 c may be rectangular or have any convenient shape. Insome embodiments, the front right support flap 220 c has a lengthdimension corresponding to a length of the outer front sidewall 210, andhas a width dimension corresponding to a width of the outer rightsidewall 224 a. The front right support flap 220 c may provide supportfor the right side of the outer front sidewall 210 and/or the innerfront sidewall 212 when the garment box 102 is built. In variousembodiments, the front right support flap 220 c is surrounded by theinner right sidewall 222 a and the outer right sidewall 224 a when thegarment box 102 is built.

Further, the front left support flap 220 d may comprise a flap that isseparated from the outer front sidewall 210 by an incision. The frontleft support flap 220 d may be rectangular or have any convenient shape.The front left support flap 220 d may have a length dimensioncorresponding to a length of the outer front sidewall 210, and a widthdimension corresponding to a width of the outer left sidewall 224 b. Thefront left support flap 220 d may provide support for the left side ofthe outer front sidewall 210 and/or the inner front sidewall 212 whenthe garment box 102 is built. In various embodiments, the front leftsupport flap 220 d is surrounded by the inner left sidewall 222 b andthe outer left sidewall 224 b when the garment box 102 is assembled.

The inner front sidewall 212 may comprise a panel with dimensionscorresponding to the front 102 e of the garment box 102. The inner frontsidewall 212 may be rectangular or have any convenient shape. The innerfront sidewall 212 may be coupled to the outer front sidewall 210 by afront inner sidewall fold line 256. The inner front sidewall 212 mayform an inner sidewall of the garment box 102 when the garment box 102is assembled. In some embodiments, the inner front sidewall 212 mayreside under the outer front sidewall 210 when the garment box 102 isassembled.

In some embodiments, the inner front sidewall 212 includes a hanger slot234, a hanger channel 264, a right sidewall flap 238 a, a left sidewallflap 238 b, a front sidewall roof spacer 268, and front protrusions 260.The hanger slot 234 may include a slot to receive a hanger. In anembodiment, the hanger slot 234 comprises a rectangular slot that allowsa hanger to be inserted into it. The hanger slot 234 may receive the topof hangers used to hang the garments. The hanger channel 264 may includea channel in the front inner sidewall that begins at the hanger slot 234and terminates a predetermined distance from the hanger slot 234. Thehanger channel 264 may be configured according to a variety ofdimensions. For example, the hanger channel 264 may be approximately thewidth of a shaft of a hanger.

The right sidewall flap 238 a may define the right side of the innerfront sidewall 212. The right sidewall flap 238 a may include a rightsidewall flap opening 258 a. The left sidewall flap 238 b may define theleft side of the inner front sidewall 212. The left sidewall flap 238 bmay include a left sidewall flap opening 258 b. The front protrusions260 may include protrusions that can be inserted into the front baseslots 228. In various embodiments, the front protrusions 260 areconfigured to secure the inner front sidewall 212 to the base panel 208when the garment box 102 is assembled. More specifically, once insertedinto the inner front sidewall 212, the front protrusions 260 may allowthe inner front sidewall 212 to be secured against the upper end of thebase gap area 270. The front protrusions 260 may also allow the outerfront sidewall 210 to form the front sidewall of the garment box 102once the garment box 102 is assembled.

The blank shown in FIG. 2 can be folded to assemble the garment box 102as follows. It is noted the blank shown in FIG. 2 can be folded in otherways to build the garment box 102, and that the following discussion isby way of example only.

In various embodiments, the blank is folded along inner sidewall foldlines to form inner sidewalls and outer sidewalls on right, left, andfront sides. More specifically, the blank may be folded along the rightinner sidewall fold line 250 a so that the right protrusions 236 a arealigned with the right base slots 226 a and the inner right sidewall 222a and the outer right sidewall 224 a are aligned with one another.Similarly, the blank may be folded along the left inner sidewall foldline 250 b so that the left protrusions 236 b are aligned with the leftbase slots 226 b and the inner left sidewall 222 b and the outer leftsidewall 224 b are aligned with one another.

The blank may also be folded along the front inner sidewall fold line256 to align the inner front sidewall 212 with the outer front sidewall210. With this orientation, the hanger slot 234 and the hanger channel264 may face the inside of the garment box 102. The base gap area 270may an open area between the outer front sidewall 210 and the innerfront sidewall 212 that creates room for objects (e.g., portions ofhangers) between the outer front sidewall 210 and the inner frontsidewall 212.

The blank may further be folded along the right front support flap foldline 254 a and the left front support flap fold line 254 b to form flapsfrom the front right support flap 220 c and the front left support flap220 d, respectively. The outer portion of the front right support flap220 c may be aligned along the right base panel fold line 252 a, and theouter portion of the front left support flap 220 d may be aligned alongthe left base panel fold line 252 b.

In various embodiments, protrusions on the right, left, and front innersidewalls may be coupled to respective slots on the base panel 208 tosecure the right, left, and front inner sidewalls to the base panel 208.More specifically, the right protrusions 236 a may be inserted into theright base slots 226 a. The left protrusions 236 b may be inserted intothe left base slots 226 b. Further, the front protrusions 260 may beinserted into the front base slots 228.

In some embodiments, the blank may be folded to form the rear sidewallof the garment box 102. More specifically, blank may be folded along therear base panel fold line 252 c to form the rear sidewall 206 of thegarment box 102. The blank may also be folded along the right rearsupport flap fold line 248 a and the left rear support flap fold line248 b so that the outer sides of the rear right support flap 220 a andthe rear left support flap 220 b are aligned with the right base panelfold line 252 a and the left base panel fold line 252 b, respectively.At this point, the garment box 102 may have been constructed and readyto receive the shoe box 104 and/or the garment bag 106, as describedfurther herein.

The garment box 102 may be closed as follows. In various embodiments,the roof panel 204 may be vertically aligned with the base panel 208.The right roof supporting flap 218 a and the left roof supporting flap218 b may be aligned along the right base panel fold line 252 a and theleft base panel fold line 252 b so that the right roof supporting flap218 a and the left roof supporting flap 218 b are inserted along theinner right sidewall 222 a and the inner left sidewall 222 b. Further,the front flap 202 may be placed over the outer front sidewall 210. Theright locking flap 214 a and the left locking flap 214 b may lock thefront flap 202 to the outer front sidewall 210. In some embodiments, theright locking flap 214 a is inserted into a right sidewall flap opening258 a, along the right side of the inner front sidewall 212. The leftlocking flap 214 b may be inserted into a left sidewall flap opening 258b, along the left side of the inner front sidewall 212.

Although FIG. 2 shows the garment box 102 as being assembled from asingle cardboard blank, it is noted that, in various embodiments, thegarment box 102 may be built in other ways. For example, in someembodiments, the roof panel of the garment box 102 may be separable fromthe base panel, the rear panel, the side panels, and/or the frontpanels. In such an embodiment, the roof panel may be built from a firstblank, while the base panel, the rear panel, the side panels, and/or thefront panels may be built from a second blank. As another example,though the blank in FIG. 2 shows inner and outer right and leftsidewalls, it is noted that in various embodiments, the garment box 102need only have one right sidewall and one left sidewall.

FIGS. 3-8 show how the blank in FIG. 2 can be folded to assemble thegarment box 102. More specifically, FIG. 3 shows an example of thegarment box 102, according to some embodiments, as an unfolded blank. Abox handle has been inserted into the handle slots 232.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the garment box 102, according to someembodiments. In FIG. 4, the blank shown in FIG. 3 has been folded alongthe front inner sidewall fold line 256 and the outer front sidewall 210has been raised to be perpendicular to the base panel 208. Further, theblank has been folded along the right front support flap fold line 254 aand the left front support flap fold line 254 b to form flaps from thefront right support flap 220 c and the front left support flap 220 d,respectively.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the garment box 102, according to someembodiments. In FIG. 5, the blank has been folded along the left basepanel fold line 252 b to form the left sidewall of the garment box 102.The blank has been folded along the left rear support flap fold line 248b and the left front support flap fold line 254 b so that the rear leftsupport flap 220 b and the front left support flap 220 d are alignedwith the left base panel fold line 252 b. The blank has further beenfolded along the left inner sidewall fold line so that the inner leftsidewall 222 b and the outer left sidewall 224 b have been formed, andso the outer left 224 b and the inner left sidewall 222 b surround therear left support flap 220 b and the front left support flap 220 d. Theleft protrusions 236 b have been inserted into the left base slots 226 bto secure the inner left sidewall 222 b and the outer left sidewall 224b to the base panel.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the garment box 102, according to someembodiments. In FIG. 6, the rear right support flap 220 a and the frontright support flap 220 c have been raised.

FIG. 7 shows an example of the garment box 102, according to someembodiments. In FIG. 7, the blank has been folded along the right innersidewall fold line 250 a, and the inner right sidewall 222 a has beenfolded over the rear right support flap 220 a and the front rightsupport flap 220 c. The right protrusions 236 a have been inserted intothe right base slots 226 a. Further, the blank has been folded along thefront base panel fold line 252 d to form the front sidewall of thegarment box 102. The blank has also been folded along the front innersidewall fold line 256 so that the inner front sidewall 212 and theouter front sidewall 210 have been formed. The front protrusions 260have been inserted into the front base slots 228. In variousembodiments, the garment box 102 has been assembled, although the lidhas not been closed.

FIG. 8 is diagram showing an example of the garment box 102, accordingto some embodiments. In FIG. 8, the lid of the garment box 102 has beenclosed. More specifically, the right roof supporting flap 218 a and theleft roof supporting flap 218 b have been aligned with the right basepanel fold line 252 a and the left base panel fold line 252 b,respectively, The right roof supporting flap 218 a and the left roofsupporting flap 218 b have further been inserted along the inner rightsidewall 222 a and the inner left sidewall 222 b, respectively. Further,the right locking flap 214 a and the left locking flap 214 b have beeninserted into the right sidewall flap opening 258 a and the leftsidewall flap opening 258 b. The front flap 202 has been placed over theouter front sidewall 210.

FIG. 9A is diagram showing an example of a blank used to construct theshoe box 104, according to some embodiments. The blank shown in FIG. 9Amay be formed from a single sheet of material, such as cardboard,paperboard, etc. As an example, the blank shown in FIG. 9A may be formedfrom a corrugated cardboard blank.

The shoe box 104 may include an inner base panel 902, a lower rear panel904, an upper rear panel 906, a roof panel 908, an upper front panel910, a lower front panel 912, an outer base panel 914, a right roof flap922 a, a left roof flap 922 b, a right base flap 926 a, and a left baseflap 926 b.

The inner base panel 902 may comprise a panel that has dimensionscorresponding to the base 104 b of the shoe box 104. The inner basepanel 902 may be rectangular or have any convenient shape.

The inner base panel 902 may have a right lateral slot 916 a, a leftlateral slot 916 b, and transverse slots 918. The right lateral slot 916a and the left lateral slot 916 b may each comprise a set of slotsconfigured to receive flaps. For instance, the right lateral slot 916 amay be configured to receive the right base flap 926 a, as discussedfurther herein. Similarly, the left lateral slot 916 b may be configuredto receive the left base flap 926 b, as discussed further herein. Invarious embodiments, the right lateral slot 916 a and the left lateralslot 916 b may be aligned with the right lateral slot 924 a and the leftlateral slot 924 b, respectively, when the shoe box 104 is assembled.

The transverse slots 918 may comprise a set of slots configured toreceive flaps. In some embodiments, the transverse slots 918 receive thebase flaps 928 in order to secure the inner base panel 902 to the outerbase panel 914 when the shoe box 104 is assembled. In the illustratedexample, the transverse slots 918 comprise three slots. However, it isnoted that in various embodiments, the transverse slots 918 may comprisemore or less than three base slots without departing from the scope andsubstance of the inventive concepts described herein.

The lower rear panel 904 may comprise a panel that has a lengthdimension corresponding to one half of the length dimension of the innerbase panel 902, and has a width dimension corresponding to the widthdimension of the inner base panel 902. The lower rear panel 904 may becoupled to the inner base panel 902 by an inner base panel fold line930. The upper rear panel 906 may comprise a panel that has a lengthdimension corresponding to one half of the length dimension of the innerbase panel 902, and has a width dimension corresponding to the widthdimension of the inner base panel 902. The upper rear panel 906 may becoupled to the lower rear panel 904 by a rear panel fold line 932.

The roof panel 908 may comprise a panel that has dimensionscorresponding to sum of the dimensions of the roof 104 a and the roofwings 104 g of the shoe box 104. More specifically, the roof panel 908may have a length dimension corresponding to the length dimension of theroof 104 a of the shoe box 104. The roof panel 908 may further have awidth dimension corresponding to the sum of the width of the roof 104 aand the roof wings 104 g of the shoe box 104.

In various embodiments, the roof panel 908 includes a right lateral slot920 a and a left lateral slot 920 b. The right lateral slot 920 a andthe left lateral slot 920 b may each comprise a set of slots configuredto receive flaps. For instance, the right lateral slot 920 may beconfigured to receive the right roof flap 922 a, as discussed furtherherein. Similarly, the left lateral slot 920 b may be configured toreceive the left roof flap 922 b, as discussed further herein.

The roof panel 908 may include a right roof wing 946 a and a left roofwing 946 b. The right roof wing 946 a and the left roof wing 946 b mayeach have dimensions corresponding to the roof wings 104 g. The rightroof wing 946 a may be separated from the remainder of the roof panel908 by a right wing fold line 950 a, and the left roof wing 946 b may beseparated from the remainder of the roof panel 908 by a left wing foldline 950 b. In various embodiments, the right roof wing 946 a has amedial fold line 954 a that enables the right roof wing 946 a to befolded along its midline. The left roof wing 946 b may also have amedial fold line 954 b that enables the left roof wing 946 b to befolded along its midline.

The right roof wing 946 a may be coupled to the right roof flap 922 a bya right flap fold line 942 a and to the left roof flap 922 b by a leftflap fold line 942 b. The left roof wing 946 b may be coupled to theupper rear panel 906 by a roof panel fold line 934.

The right roof flap 922 a and the left roof flap 922 b may comprise aflap that can be folded and inserted into the right lateral slot 920 aand the left lateral slot 920 b. In some embodiments, the right roofflap 922 a comprises a T-shaped flap that can be folded into a centralsection and two side sections. The central section may have a lengthcorresponding to a length of the right lateral slot 920 a. When theright roof flap 922 a is folded, the two side sections may reside overthe central section, and the right roof flap 922 a may have a thicknesssuch that it can be inserted into the right lateral slot 920 a. Afterbeing inserted into the right lateral slot 920 a, the side sections ofthe right roof flap 922 a may fan out and lock the right roof flap 922 ainto the right lateral slot 920 a.

Similarly, the left roof flap 922 b may comprise a T-shaped flap thatcan be folded into a central section and two side sections. The centralsection may have a length corresponding to a length of the left lateralslot 920 b. When the left roof flap 922 b is folded, the two sidesections may reside over the central section, and the left roof flap 922b may have a thickness such that it can be inserted into the leftlateral slot 920 b. After being inserted into the left lateral slot 920b, the side sections of the left roof flap 922 b may fan out and lockthe left roof flap 922 b into the left lateral slot 920 b.

The upper front panel 910 may comprise a panel that has a lengthdimension corresponding to one half of the length dimension of the innerbase panel 902, and has a width dimension corresponding to the widthdimension of the inner base panel 902. The upper front panel 910 may becoupled to the roof panel 908 by a roof panel fold line 936. The lowerfront panel 912 may comprise a panel that has a length dimensioncorresponding to one half of the length dimension of the inner basepanel 902, and has a width dimension corresponding to the widthdimension of the inner base panel 902. The lower front panel 912 may becoupled to the upper front panel 910 by a front panel fold line 938.

The outer base panel 914 may comprise a panel that has dimensionscorresponding to sum of the dimensions of the base 104 b and the basewings 104 h of the shoe box 104. More specifically, the outer base panel914 may have a length dimension corresponding to the length dimension ofthe base 104 b of the shoe box 104. The outer base panel 914 may furtherhave a width dimension corresponding to the sum of the width of the base104 b and the base wings 104 h of the shoe box 104. The outer base panel914 may be coupled to the lower front panel 912 by an outer base panelfold line 940.

In various embodiments, the outer base panel 914 includes a rightlateral slot 924 a and a left lateral slot 924 b. The right lateral slot924 a and the left lateral slot 924 b may each comprise a set of slotsconfigured to receive flaps. For instance, the right lateral slot 924 amay be configured to receive the right base flap 926 a, as discussedfurther herein. Similarly, the left lateral slot 924 b may be configuredto receive the left base flap 926 b, as discussed further herein.

The outer base panel 914 may include a right base wing 948 a and a leftbase wing 948 b. The right base wing 948 a and the left base wing 948 bmay each have dimensions corresponding to the base wings 104 h. Theright base wing 948 a may be separated from the remainder of the outerbase panel 914 by a right wing fold line 952 a, and the left base wing948 b may be separated from the remainder of the outer base panel 914 bya left wing fold line 952 b. The right base wing 948 a may have a medialfold line 956 a that enables the right base wing 948 a to be foldedalong its midline. The left base wing 948 b may also have a medial foldline 956 b that enables the left base wing 948 b to be folded along itsmidline.

The right base wing 948 a may be coupled to the right base flap 926 a bya right flap fold line 944 a. The left base wing 948 b may be coupled tothe left base flap 926 b by a left flap fold line 944 b.

The right base flap 926 a and the left base flap 926 b may each comprisea flap that can be folded and inserted into the right lateral slot 924 aand the left lateral slot 924 b. In some embodiments, the right baseflap 926 a comprises a T-shaped flap that can be folded into a centralsection and two side sections. The central section may have a lengthcorresponding to a length of the right lateral slot 924 a. When theright base flap 926 a is folded, the two side sections may reside overthe central section, and the right base flap 926 a may have a thicknesssuch that it can be inserted into the right lateral slot 924 a. Afterbeing inserted into the right lateral slot 924 a, the side sections ofthe right base flap 926 a may fan out and lock the right base flap 926 ainto the right lateral slot 924 a.

Similarly, the left base flap 926 b may comprise a T-shaped flap thatcan be folded into a central section and two side sections. The centralsection may have a length corresponding to a length of the left lateralslot 924 b. When the left base flap 926 b is folded, the two sidesections may reside over the central section, and the left base flap 926b may have a thickness such that it can be inserted into the leftlateral slot 924 b. After being inserted into the left lateral slot 924b, the side sections of the left base flap 926 b may fan out and lockthe left base flap 926 b into the left lateral slot 924 b.

Though the blank shown in FIG. 9A is related to shoe box 104 havingeight sides (e.g., right side, left side, base, roof, lower rear, upperrear, lower front, and upper front), it is noted other configurations ofthe shoe box 104 are possible without departing from the scope andsubstance of the inventive concepts herein. For example, in someembodiments, the shoe box 104 comprises a six-sided box having a rightside, a left side, a roof, a base, a front, and a rear. In such anembodiment, the rear panel fold line 932 and the front panel fold line938 need not exist or need not be folded when assembling the shoe box104. The blank shown in FIG. 9A can be folded to build the shoe box 104as follows. It is noted the blank shown in FIG. 9A can be folded inother ways to build the shoe box 104, and that the following discussionis by way of example only.

In various embodiments, the blank may be folded along the inner basepanel fold line 930 and the outer base panel fold line 940 in order todefine the inner base panel 902 and the outer base panel 914. The blankmay be folded along the rear panel fold line 932 to define the lowerrear panel 904 and the upper rear panel 906. Further, the blank may befolded along the roof panel fold line 934 and the roof panel fold line936 to define the roof panel 908. In various embodiments, the blank isfolded along the front panel fold line 938 to define the upper frontpanel 910 and the lower front panel 912.

In some embodiments, the inner base panel 902 and the outer base panel914 may be aligned with one another. Further, the right lateral slot 916a may be aligned with the right lateral slot 924 a, and the left lateralslot 916 b is aligned with the left lateral slot 924 b. The base flaps928 may be inserted into the transverse slots 918 in order to secure theouter base panel 914 to the inner base panel 902.

The blank may be folded along the right wing fold line 952 a to definethe right base wing 948 a. The blank may also be folded along the medialfold line 956 a to place the right base flap 926 a over the rightlateral slot 924 a and the right lateral slot 916 a. In variousembodiments, the right base flap 926 a is folded so that the sidesections of the right base flap 926 a reside over the central section ofthe right base flap 926 a. Once folded, the right base flap 926 a may beinserted into the right lateral slot 924 a and the right lateral slot916 a, so that the side portions fan out and lock into the right lateralslot 924 a and the right lateral slot 916 a.

The blank may be further folded along the left wing fold line 952 b todefine the left base wing 948 b. The blank may be folded along themedial fold line 956 b to place the left base flap 926 b over the leftlateral slot 924 b and the left lateral slot 916 b. In variousembodiments, the left base flap 926 b is folded so that the sidesections of the left base flap 926 b reside over the central section ofthe left base flap 926 b. Once folded, the left base flap 926 b may beinserted into the left lateral slot 924 b and the left lateral slot 916b, so that the side portions fan out and lock into the left lateral slot924 b and the left lateral slot 916 b.

In some embodiments, the blank is folded along the right wing fold line950 a to define the right roof wing 946 a. The blank may also be foldedalong the medial fold line 954 a to place the right roof flap 922 a overthe right lateral slot 920 a. In various embodiments, the right roofflap 922 a is folded so that the side sections of the right roof flap922 a reside over the central section of the right roof flap 922 a. Oncefolded, the right roof flap 922 a may be inserted into the right lateralslot 920 a, so that the side portions fan out and lock into the rightlateral slot 920 a.

The blank may also be folded along the left wing fold line 950 b todefine the left roof wing 946 b. The blank may be folded along themedial fold line 954 b to place the left roof flap 922 b over the leftlateral slot 920 b. In various embodiments, the left roof flap 922 b isfolded so that the side sections of the left roof flap 922 b reside overthe central section of the left roof flap 922 b. Once folded, the leftroof flap 922 b may be inserted into the left lateral slot 920 b, sothat the side portions fan out and lock into the left lateral slot 920b.

FIGS. 10-19 show how the blank in FIG. 9 can be folded to assemble theshoe box 104. More specifically, FIG. 10 shows an example of the shoebox 104, according to some embodiments, as an unfolded blank.

FIG. 11 shows an example of the shoe box 104, according to someembodiments. In FIG. 11, the blank shown in FIG. 10 has been foldedalong the inner base panel fold line 930 and the outer base panel foldline 940 in order to define the inner base panel 902 and the outer basepanel 914. The blank has also been folded along the rear panel fold line932 to define the lower rear panel 904 and the upper rear panel 906. Theblank has also been folded along the roof panel fold line 934 and theroof panel fold line 936 to define the roof panel 908. Further, theblank has been folded along the front panel fold line 938 to define theupper front panel 910 and the lower front panel 912. The inner basepanel 902 is about to be aligned with the outer base panel 904.

FIG. 12 shows an example of the shoe box 104, according to someembodiments. In FIG. 12, the inner base panel 902 has been aligned withthe outer base panel 914. The base flaps 928 have been inserted into thetransverse slots 918, and the outer base panel 914 has been secured tothe inner base panel 902. Further, the blank has been folded along theright wing fold line 952 a to define the right base wing 948 a, andalong the left wing fold line 952 b to define the left base wing 948 b.

FIG. 13 shows an example of the shoe box 104, according to someembodiments. In FIG. 13, the right base flap 926 a is about to be foldedso that the side sections are over the central section of the right baseflap 926 a.

FIG. 14 shows an example of the shoe box 104, according to someembodiments. The side sections of the right base flap 926 a have beenfolded over the central section of the right base flap 926 a so that theright base flap 926 a can be inserted into the right lateral slot 924 aand the right lateral slot 916 a.

FIG. 15 shows an example of the shoe box 104, according to someembodiments. In FIG. 15, the right base flap 926 a is about to beinserted into the right lateral slot 924 a and the right lateral slot916 a.

FIG. 16 shows an example of the shoe box 104, according to someembodiments. In FIG. 16, the right base flap 926 a has been insertedinto the right lateral slot 924 a and the right lateral slot 916 a. Theside portions of the right base flap 926 a have fanned out and lockedthe right base flap 926 a into the right lateral slot 924 a and theright lateral slot 916 a.

FIG. 17 shows an example of the shoe box 104, according to someembodiments. In FIG. 17, the right roof flap 922 a has also been foldedalong medial fold line 954 a. The right roof flap 922 a has also beenfolded so that the side sections are over the central section of theright roof flap 922 a. The right roof flap 922 a has been inserted intothe right lateral slot 920 a. The side sections of the right roof flap922 a have fanned out and locked the right roof flap 922 a into theright lateral slot 920 a.

FIG. 18 shows an example of the shoe box 104, according to someembodiments. More specifically, FIG. 18 depicts a view of the roof ofthe shoe box 104 after the shoe box 104 has been assembled. Notably, insome embodiments, the width of the assembled shoe box 104 (including thewings) is the same as the width of the interior of the garment box 102,so that the shoe box 104 when inserted into the garment box 102 issecured from shifting left or right. Further, the height of the shoe box104 (including the wings) may be the same as the height of the interiorof the garment box 102 so that the shoe box 104 is secured from shiftingup or down.

FIG. 19 shows an example of the shoe box 104, according to someembodiments. FIG. 19 shows the right side of the shoe box 104 aftershoes have been inserted into the shoe box 104.

Although the blank shown in FIG. 9A comprises the right roof wing 946 a,the left roof wing 946 b, the right base wing 948 a, and the left basewing 948 b, it is noted that in various embodiments, the blank mayinclude any set of structures that allow the shoe box 104 to float overat least a portion of the garment bag 106 when the shoe box 104 and thegarment bag 106 are inserted inside the garment box 102. As an example,the blank shown in FIG. 9 may include side portions that create acircular shape (e.g., a doughnut-like shape) that allows the shoe box104 to float over a bottom half of the garment bag 106, and allows thetop half of the garment bag 106 to reside over the shoe box 104 when theshoe box 104 and the garment bag 106 are inserted inside the garment box102.

Further, although the shoe box 104 has been described thus far ascapable of being constructed from the blank shown in FIG. 9A, it isnoted that in various embodiments, the shoe box 104 is constructed outof different blanks and/or different structures. More specifically, theshoe box 104 may have attachments that allow the body of the shoe box104 to float over a bottom half of the garment bag 106, and allow thetop half of the garment bag 106 to reside over the shoe box 104 when theshoe box 104 and the garment bag 106 are inserted inside the garment box102.

For instance, the shoe box 104 may include cardboard attachments thatspace the shoe box 104 from the walls of the garment box 102. FIG. 9B isdiagram showing an example of the shoe box 104, according to theseembodiments. In the example of FIG. 9B, the shoe box 104 includes aright wing attachment 958 a, a left wing attachment, and a body 960. Inthis example, the right wing attachment 958 a and the left wingattachment 958 b are formed from blanks that are distinct from the blankused to form the body 960. The right wing attachment 958 a and the leftwing attachment 958 b may create any shape (e.g., a circular shape, arectangular shape, a doughnut-shape, etc.) that allows the shoe box 104to float over a bottom half of the garment bag 106, and allows the tophalf of the garment bag 106 to reside over the shoe box 104 when theshoe box 104 and the garment bag 106 are inserted inside the garment box102. In various embodiments, the right wing attachment 958 a and theleft wing attachment 958 b may be part of the blank or may be coupled tothe blank in order for the shoe box 104 to float over at least a portionof the garment bag 106 when the shoe box 104 and the garment bag 106 areinserted inside the garment box 102.

As another example, the shoe box 104 may include protrusions that spacethe shoe box 104 from the walls of the garment box 102. FIG. 9C isdiagram showing an example of the shoe box 104, according to theseembodiments. In the example of FIG. 9C, the shoe box 104 may include aright spacing protrusions 962 a, left spacing protrusions 962 b, and abody 964. The right spacing protrusions 962 a and the left spacingprotrusions 962 b may include wire or other material that allows thebody 964 to float over at least a portion of the garment bag 106 whenthe shoe box 104 and the garment bag 106 are inserted inside the garmentbox 102. It is noted that various embodiments may use some combinationof the structures referenced herein. It is further noted that the shoebox may be used to pack shoes within any garment receptacle, such as asuitcase.

Moreover, it is noted that in various embodiments, the blank may includestructures not shown in FIG. 9A that allow the shoe box 104 to notsubstantially move within the garment box 102 when the shoe box 104 andthe garment bag 106 are inserted into the garment box 102. Morespecifically, in the example shown in FIG. 9, the right roof wing 946 a,the left roof wing 946 b, the right base wing 948 a, and the left basewing 948 b allow the shoe box 104 to not substantially move within thegarment box 102 when the shoe box 104 and the garment bag 106 areinserted into the garment box 102.

However, it is noted that in various embodiments, the shoe box 104 mayinclude structures that secure the shoe box 104 to the garment box 102to further limit movement within the garment box 102. More specifically,the shoe box 104 may include support protrusions that limit movement ofthe shoe box 104 in the garment box 102. FIG. 9D is diagram showing anexample of the shoe box 104, according to some embodiments. The shoe box104 includes right support protrusions 966 a, left support protrusions966 b, and a body 968. The right support protrusions 966 a and the leftsupport protrusions 966 b may include, e.g., wires, shafts, cylinders,etc. that protrude from the respective right and left sides of the shoebox 104 and are received into respective slots (e.g., right supportslots 970 a and left support slots 970 b) on the right and leftsidewalls of the shoe box 104. The right support protrusions 966 a andthe left support protrusions 966 b may also be received by support slotson the sidewalls of the garment box 102. The slots (e.g., the rightsupport slots 970 a and left support slots 970 b and/or support slots onthe garment box 102) may be threaded, e.g., may receive a threaded endof at least a portion of the right support protrusions 966 a and theleft support protrusions 966 b. It is noted that various embodiments mayuse some combination of the structures referenced herein.

Although the foregoing description discusses the shoe box 104 as beingconstructed from a single blank that can be folded to form the shoe box104, it is noted that in various embodiments, the shoe box 104 isconstructed from other techniques. For example, in some embodiments, thewalls and base of the shoe box 104 may be constructed from a firstblank, and the roof of the shoe box 104 may be constructed from a secondblank. Wings, protrusions, etc. of the shoe box 104 may similarly beformed from blanks, pieces of cardboard, pieces of paperboard, etc. thatare distinct from the first blank and/or the second blank.

FIG. 20 is diagram showing an example of the garment bag 106, accordingto some embodiments. More particularly, FIG. 20 shows a front view 2000Aof the garment bag 106, a rear view 2000B of the garment bag 106, and aside view 2000C of the garment bag 106.

As shown in the front view 2000A, the garment bag 106 may include apocket zipper 2002, an upper carrying handle 2004 a, a lower carryinghandle 2004 b, a left attachment handle 2006 a, a right attachmenthandle 2006 b, a bag fold line 2008, an informational graphic 2014, ahanger slot 2016, and an external zipper 2018. As shown in the rear view2000B, the garment bag 106 may include the right attachment handle 2006b, the left attachment handle 2006 a, the bag fold line 2008, a rightmale fastener 2010 a, a left male fastener 2010 b, a right femalefastener 2012 a, and a left female fastener 2012 b. As shown in the sideview 2000C, the garment bag 106 may include the hanger slot 2016, andthe external zipper 2018.

The pocket zipper 2002 may include a zipper configured to provide accessto a pocket of the garment bag 106. In various embodiments, the pocketis sized so that it can hold garments and accessories.

The upper carrying handle 2004 a may include a strap on the upper sideof the garment bag 106. In some embodiments, the upper carrying handle2004 a is sewn to the garment bag 106. Further, the lower carryinghandle 2004 b may include a strap on the lower side of the garment bag106. In some embodiments, the lower carrying handle 2004 b is sewn tothe garment bag 106.

The left attachment handle 2006 a may include a strap on the left sideof the garment bag 106. In various embodiments, the left attachmenthandle 2006 a is sewn to on the left side of the garment bag 106. Theleft attachment handle 2006 a may be located and/or sized so that it canbe received by the left hook 230 b of the garment box 102. Morespecifically, in various embodiments, the left attachment handle 2006 ais located at a location on the garment bag 106 that aligns with theleft hook 230 b when the garment bag 106 is folded along the bag foldline 2008. Further, the left attachment handle 2006 a may be sized sothat it is securely received by the left hook 230 b when coupled to theleft hook 230 b. Moreover, the right attachment handle 2006 b may belocated and/or sized so that it can be received by the right hook 230 aof the garment box 102. In some embodiments, the right attachment handle2006 b is located at a location on the garment bag 106 that aligns withthe right hook 230 a when the garment bag 106 is folded along the bagfold line 2008. Further, the right attachment handle 2006 b may be sizedso that it is securely received by the right hook 230 a when coupled tothe right hook 230 a.

The bag fold line 2008 may include a line around which the garment bag106 can be folded. The bag fold line 2008 may facilitate carrying thegarment bag 106. In some embodiments, the bag fold line 2008 is locatedat approximately the midline of the garment bag 106. It is noted the bagfold line 2008 may be located at other locations without departing fromthe scope and substance of the inventive concepts herein.

The right male fastener 2010 a and the left male fastener 2010 b mayeach comprise a male fastener. In some embodiments, one or more of theright male fastener 2010 a and the left male fastener 2010 b comprises amale portion of a button. One or more of the right male fastener 2010 aand the left male fastener 2010 b may also comprise a male portion of asnap, a male portion of a button, a male portion of a hook, a maleportion of a magnet, a portion of an adhesive, a male portion of aVelcro® fastener, a male portion of a pin, a screw, etc.

The right female fastener 2012 a and the left female fastener 2012 b mayeach comprise a female fastener. In some embodiments, one or more of theright female fastener 2012 a and the left female fastener 2012 bcomprises a female portion of a button. One or more of the right femalefastener 2012 a and the left female fastener 2012 b may also comprise afemale portion of a snap, a female portion of a button, a female portionof a hook, a female portion of a magnet, a surface configured to receivean adhesive, a female portion of a Velcro® fastener, a female portion ofa pin, a nut, etc. The right female fastener 2012 a and the left femalefastener 2012 b may be configured to mate with the right male fastener2010 a and the left male fastener 2010 b, respectively. In someembodiments, the right female fastener 2012 a and the left femalefastener 2012 b may be aligned with the right male fastener 2010 a andthe left male fastener 2010 b when the garment bag 106 is folded alongthe bag fold line 2008.

The informational graphic 2014 may comprise a logo, an advertisement, orother item of information that is visually displayed on the garment bag106. The hanger slot 2016 may comprise a slot in the garment bag 106 fora hanger. The external zipper 2018 may include a zipper for openingand/or closing the garment bag 106.

Garments may be placed in the garment bag 106 as follows. Garmentaccessories may be placed into a pocket associated with the pocketzipper 2002. Garments may be positioned on a hanger. The external zipper2018 may be opened, and the hanger and garments may be placed within thegarment bag 106. At least a portion, e.g., a portion or more of thehanger handle, may extend from the hanger slot 2016. In variousembodiments, the garment bag 106 is folded along the bag fold line 2008and is carried using the upper carrying handle 2004 a and the lowercarrying handle 2004 b.

The garment bag 106 may be secured to the garment box 102 as follows. Insome embodiments, the garment box 102 may be opened. At least a portionof the hanger extending from the hanger slot 2016 may be aligned withand inserted into the hanger slot 234. The hanger may further be moveddown the hanger channel 264 until the hanger is secured into the innerfront sidewall 212 of the garment box 102. In various embodiments, aportion of the hanger, e.g., the handle or a portion of the hangerhandle, may reside between the outer front sidewall 210 and the innerfront sidewall 212 of the garment box 102. Moreover, the left attachmenthandle 2006 a of the garment bag 106 may be aligned with the left hook230 b of the garment box 102 and the right attachment handle 2006 b ofthe garment bag 106 may be aligned with the right hook 230 a of thegarment box 102. In some embodiments, the left attachment handle 2006 ais attached to the left hook 230 b, and the right attachment handle 2006b is attached to the right hook 230 a. It will be appreciated thatadditional left and right handles may be put onto the garment bag 106 tocooperate with additional hooks positioned in the interior of thegarment box 102.

FIG. 21 shows an example of the garment bag 106, according to someembodiments. In FIG. 21, the front view of the garment bag 106 is shown.A hanger is being used to hang the garment bag 106 on a hook on a door.The garment bag 106 contains garments therein.

FIG. 22 shows an example of the garment bag 106, according to someembodiments. In FIG. 22, the rear view of the garment bag 106 is shown.The hanger is being used to hang the garment bag 106 on a hook on adoor. The garment bag 106 contains garments therein.

FIG. 23 shows an example of the garment bag 106, according to someembodiments. In FIG. 23, the garment bag 106 has been folded along thebag fold line 2008. The right male fastener 2010 a and the left malefastener 2010 b have been mated with the right female fastener 2012 aand the left female fastener 2012 b, respectively. The garment bag 106may be carried by carrying handles, including the upper carrying handle2004 a. The garment bag 106 may further be inserted into the garment box102, using the techniques described herein.

FIG. 24 shows a hanger being inserted into the hanger slot 234,according to some embodiments. More specifically, in FIG. 24, the hangerhas been moved down the hanger channel 264 and secured to the bottomportion of the hanger channel 264. As a result, the hanger has beensecured to the garment box 102.

FIG. 25 shows the shoe box 104 positioned on top of the garment bag 106in the garment box 102, according to some embodiments. In FIG. 25, thehanger in the garment bag 106 has been inserted into the hanger slot 234and secured in the hanger channel 264. The garment bag 106 has beenfolded along the bag fold line 2008. The shoe box 104 has been placed onthe garment bag 106 near the bag fold line 2008. Advantageously, theright roof wing 946 a, left roof wing 946 b, the right base wing 948 a,and the left base wing 948 b cause the shoe box 104 to be supportedabove the garment bag 106, leaving space for the garments and reducingany crumpling and/or creasing of the garments therein. Notably, in theembodiment shown, the shoe box 104 will fall towards the rear of thegarment box 102 when the garment box 102 is lifted.

FIG. 26 shows the right attachment handle 2006 b being coupled to theright hook 230 a, according to some embodiments. In FIG. 26, the rightattachment handle 2006 b is shown aligned with the right hook 230 a. Theright attachment handle 2006 b has been wrapped around the right hook230 a and secured to the garment box 102. As a result, the garment bag106 has been secured to the garment box 102. Further, the garment bag106 has been wrapped around the shoe box 104 to prevent creasing of thegarments at the fold line of the garment bag. An additional handle maybe added to the garment bag 106 to cooperate with the right hook 230 a.Additional handles may be added to the garment bag 106 to cooperate withadditional hooks in the garment box 102.

FIG. 27 is a diagram 2700 of the garment box 102 with the lid open,according to some embodiments. The garment box 102 has been loaded withgarment bag 106 flipped over the shoe box 104, as described herein.

Though the foregoing description describes the garment box 102 and thegarment bag 106 as coupled to one another with the hooks 230 and thestraps 2006 (e.g., through the right strap 2006 a being coupled to theright hook 230 a and the left strap 2006 b being coupled to the lefthook 230 b), it is noted that in various embodiments, other structuresmay couple the garment box 102 and the garment bag 106 to one another.For instance, in some embodiments, one of the garment box 102 and thegarment bag 106 may have straps that tie it to hooks on the other. Asanother example, both the garment box 102 and the garment bag 106 mayhave straps that are tied to one another. As yet another example, one ofthe garment box 102 and the garment bag 106 may have protrusions thatare received by a slot in the other. The garment box 102 and the garmentbag 106 may also include interlocking structures that allow the two tobe coupled to one another. It is noted other coupling structures may beused to couple garment box 102 and the garment bag 106 to one anotherwithout departing from the scope and substance of the inventive conceptsdescribed herein.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of a blank used to construct agarment insert 2800, according to some embodiments. The blank shown inFIG. 28 may be formed from a single sheet of material, such ascardboard, paperboard, etc. As described further herein, the garmentinsert 2800 may provide a rigid structure that holds garments flat andwide to reduce wrinkling, crumpling, etc. of the garments when insertedinto the garment bag 106 and/or garment box 102.

The garment insert 2800 may include a body 2802, a right support flap2804 a, and a left support flap 2804 b. As described further herein, thebody 2802, the right support flap 2804 a, and the left support flap 2804b may be folded to form hanger openings that accepts a hanger. Whenfolded, the body 2802, the right support flap 2804 a, and the leftsupport flap 2804 b may support garments inside the garment insert 2800to remain rigid and flat. The body 2802 may be divided from the rightsupport flap 2804 a by a right support flap fold line 2806 a. The bodymay be divided from the left support flap 2804 b by a left support flapfold line 2806 b. The right support flap fold line 2806 a and/or theleft support flap fold line 2806 b may include crease lines, scoreslines, or virtual divisions of the blank that are folded to divide theright support flap 2804 a and the left support flap 2804 b from the body2802.

The body 2802 may include a right edge 2808 a, a left edge 2808 b, alower edge 2810, and an upper edge 2812. The right edge 2808 a mayreside between the lower edge 2810 and the right support flap fold line2806 a. The left edge 2808 b may reside between the lower edge 2810 andthe left support flap fold line 2806 b. The lower edge 2810 may residealong the lower edge of the blank (e.g., between the right edge 2808 aand the left edge 2808 b). The upper edge 2812 may reside between theright support flap fold line 2806 a and the left support flap fold line2806 b. In various embodiments, the upper edge 2812 separates the rightsupport flap 2804 a and the left support flap 2804 b. The upper edge mayhave an upper edge width 2820. In various embodiments, the upper edgewidth 2820 is chosen to form a hanger hook opening (see FIG. 29) toreceive a hanger hook.

The body 2802 may be characterized by a lower body width 2814, an upperbody width 2816, and a body length 2818. In some embodiments, one ormore of the lower body width 2814, the upper body width 2816, and thebody length 2818 may be correspond to dimensions of a specific type ofgarment (shirt, sweater, jacket, etc.). For example, in variousembodiments, the lower body width 2814 corresponds to an approximatewidth of a waist area of the specific type of garment. The upper bodywidth 2816 may correspond to an approximate width of a chest area of thespecific type of garment. The body length 2818 may correspond to anapproximate length of the specific type of garment.

In some embodiments, the lower body width 2814, the upper body width2816, or the body length 2818 correspond to standardized dimensions of aspecific type of garment. For instance, the lower body width 2814, theupper body width 2816, or the body length 2818 may correspond todimensions of specific sizes (small, medium, large, extra-large, etc.).As yet another example, the body length 2818 may be chosen to berelatively small to accommodate “petite” sized garments, or may bechosen to be relatively large to accommodate “big and tall” sizedgarments. In various embodiments, the lower body width 2814, the upperbody width 2816, or the body length 2818 are standardized (e.g., haveuniform dimensions that can apply to garments of different sizes). Morespecifically, in an embodiment, the lower body width 2814, the upperbody width 2816, or the body length 2818 may be significantly less thanthe dimensions of a garment, but still sufficient to support the garmentto remain flat. As an example, the lower body width 2814 may beapproximately eighteen inches, the upper body width 2816 may beapproximately eighteen inches, and the body length 2818 may beapproximately twenty-four inches.

The lower body width 2814, the upper body width 2816, or the body length2818 may be chosen to accommodate a specific garment style. For example,in an embodiment, the lower body width 2814 and the upper body width2816 are roughly equal to one another to accommodate “traditional cut”garments. As another example, lower body width 2814 may be chosen to bemuch larger than the upper body width 2816 to accommodate “full cut”garments. As yet another example, the lower body width 2814 may bechosen to be relatively small in comparison to the upper body width 2816in order to accommodate “slim cut” garments.

The body 2802 may include a slot 2822. In various embodiments, the slot2822 comprises a slot of any convenient shape (a rectangular slot, anelliptical slot, etc.). The slot 2822 may have a right portion 2822 aand a left portion 2822 b. As discussed further herein, the rightportion 2822 a may receive the left locking member 2832 b of the leftsupport flap 2804 b, and the left portion 2822 b may receive the rightlocking member 2832 a of the right support flap 2804 a, so that thegarment insert 2800 can formed. In some embodiments, the slot 2822 mayreceive the right locking member 2832 a and the left locking member 2832b in an overlapping manner.

The right support flap 2804 a may include a right lower medial edge 2824a, a right upper medial edge 2826 a, a right upper lateral edge 2828 a,and a right lower lateral edge 2830 a. The right lower medial edge 2824a may extend from the upper edge 2812 of the body 2802 to the rightupper medial edge 2826 a. In some embodiments, a point is formed at theintersection of the right lower medial edge 2824 a and the right uppermedial edge 2826 a. The right upper medial edge 2826 a may extend fromthe right lower medial edge 2824 a to the right upper lateral edge 2828a. A point may be formed at the intersection of the right upper medialedge 2826 a and the right upper lateral edge 2828 a.

The right upper lateral edge 2828 a may extend from the right uppermedial edge 2826 a to the right lower lateral edge 2830 a. A point maybe formed at the intersection of the right upper lateral edge 2828 a andthe right lower lateral edge 2830 a. In some embodiments, the rightupper lateral edge 2828 a includes a right locking member 2832 a. Theright locking member 2832 a may include a protrusion along the rightupper lateral edge 2828 a that can be inserted into at least a portionof the slot 2822. For example, in an embodiment, the right lockingmember 2832 a may include a protrusion that can be inserted and lockedinto the left portion 2822 b of the slot 2822 when the garment insert2800 has been assembled.

The right lower lateral edge 2830 a may extend from the right upperlateral edge 2828 a to the right support flap fold line 2806 a. Invarious embodiments, a point is formed at the intersection of the rightupper lateral edge 2828 a and the right lower lateral edge 2830 a.

The left support flap 2804 b may include a left lower medial edge 2824b, a left upper medial edge 2826 b, a left upper lateral edge 2828 b,and a left lower lateral edge 2830 b. The left lower medial edge 2824 bmay be similar to the right lower medial edge 2824 a. The left uppermedial edge 2826 b may be similar to the right upper medial edge 2826 a.The left upper lateral edge 2828 b may be similar to the right upperlateral edge 2828 a. In various embodiments, the left upper lateral edge2828 b includes a left locking member 2832 b, which can be inserted andlocked into the right portion 2822 a of the slot 2822. The left lowerlateral edge 2830 b may be similar to the right lower lateral edge 2830a.

In various embodiments, the blank shown in FIG. 28 may be folded intothe garment insert 2800. More specifically, in an embodiment, the blankmay be folded along the right support flap fold line 2806 a to bring theright support flap 2804 a over the body 2802 and to bring the rightlocking member 2832 a into contact with the left portion 2822 b of theslot 2822. The right locking member 2832 a may be inserted and/or lockedinto the left portion 2822 b. Similarly, the blank may be folded alongthe left support flap fold line 2806 b to bring the left support flap2804 b over the body 2802 and to bring the left locking member 2832 binto contact with the right portion 2822 a of the slot 2822. The leftlocking member 2832 b may be inserted and/or locked into the rightportion 2822 a.

Folding the blank along the right support flap fold line 2806 a and theleft support flap fold line 2806 b may form hanger openings on thegarment insert 2800 to receive a hanger.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a rear view of the garment insert 2900,according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 29, folding the blankalong the right support flap fold line 2806 a may form a right hangerarm opening 2904 a between the right lower lateral edge 2830 a of theright support flap 2804 a and the body 2802. The right hanger armopening 2904 a may, as discussed further herein, receive a right hangerarm of a hanger 2906. Further, folding the blank along the left supportflap fold line 2806 b may form a left hanger arm opening 2904 b betweenthe left lower lateral edge 2830 b of the left support flap 2804 b andthe body 2802. The left hanger arm opening 2904 b may, as discussedfurther herein, receive a left hanger arm of the hanger 2906.

In various embodiments, folding the blank along both the right supportflap fold line 2806 a and the left support flap fold line 2806 b forms ahanger hook opening 2902 between the right lower medial edge 2824 a ofthe right support flap 2804 a, the left lower medial edge 2824 b of theleft support flap 2804 b, and the upper edge 2812 of the body 2802. Thehanger hook opening 2902 may receive a hanger hook of the hanger 2906.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a front view of the garment insert 2800,according to some embodiments. In FIG. 30, the garment insert 2800 hasbeen rotated and placed into a garment (e.g., a white formal shirt). Thegarment insert 2800 is configured to assist the garment in remainingflat and rigid in the garment bag 106 and/or in the garment box 102. Forinstance, the body 2802 may assist in holding the waist and chest of theshirt flat by not allowing the waist and chest to internally collapse.Moreover, the hanger hook opening 2902, the right hanger arm opening2904 a, and the left hanger arm opening 2904 b may cooperate to securethe hanger 2906 to a specific position.

Though the foregoing description describes the garment insert 2900 asincluding the right locking member 2832 a, the left locking member 2832b, and the slot 2822 to couple the right support flap 2804 a and theleft support flap 2804 b to the body 2802, it is noted that in variousembodiments, the right support flap 2804 a and the left support flap2804 b may be coupled to the body 2802 using other structures. Forinstance, the right support flap 2804 a and the left support flap 2804 band/or the body 2802 may include at least portions of a snap, at leastportions of a button, at least portions of a hook, at least portions ofa magnet, at least portions of an adhesive, at least portions of aVelcro® fastener, at least portions of a pin, at least portions of ascrew/nut assembly, etc.

For purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth toprovide a thorough understanding of the description. It will beapparent, however, to one skilled in the art that embodiments of thedisclosure can be practiced without these specific details. In someinstances, modules, structures, processes, features, and devices areshown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the description.In other instances, functional block diagrams and flow diagrams areshown to represent data and logic flows. The components of blockdiagrams and flow diagrams (e.g., modules, blocks, structures, devices,features, etc.) may be variously combined, separated, removed,reordered, and replaced in a manner other than as expressly describedand depicted herein.

Reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,”“some embodiments,” “various embodiments,” “certain embodiments,” “otherembodiments,” “one series of embodiments,” or the like means that aparticular feature, design, structure, or characteristic described inconnection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment ofthe disclosure. The appearances of, for example, the phrase “in oneembodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places in the specificationare not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor areseparate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of otherembodiments. Moreover, whether or not there is express reference to an“embodiment” or the like, various features are described, which may bevariously combined and included in some embodiments, but also variouslyomitted in other embodiments. Similarly, various features are describedthat may be preferences or requirements for some embodiments, but notother embodiments.

The language used herein has been principally selected for readabilityand instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected todelineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. It is thereforeintended that the scope be limited not by this detailed description, butrather by any claims that issue on an application based hereon.Accordingly, the disclosure of the embodiments is intended to beillustrative, but not limiting, of the scope, which is set forth in thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A garment insert comprising: a body panelincluding an upper edge and a slot below the upper edge; a first supportflap extending away from the upper edge and including a first lockingmember configured to be inserted into the slot, the first support flapconfigured to fold towards the body panel to form a first portion of ahanger feature opening and to allow the first locking member to insertinto the slot; and a second support flap extending away from the upperedge and including a second locking member configured to be insertedinto the slot, the second support flap configured to fold towards thebody panel to form a second portion of the hanger feature opening and toallow the second locking member to be inserted into the slot.
 2. Thegarment insert of claim 1, wherein the first support flap when foldedcreates a first hanger arm opening.
 3. The garment insert of claim 1,wherein the second support flap when folded creates a second hanger armopening.
 4. The garment insert of claim 1, wherein the garment insert isformed from a single cardboard blank.
 5. The garment insert of claim 1,wherein the body panel includes a width based on a button down shirt. 6.The garment insert of claim 1, wherein the body panel includes a lengthbased on a button down shirt.
 7. A method comprising: obtaining agarment insert comprising: a body panel including an upper edge and aslot below the upper edge; a first support flap extending away from theupper edge and including a first locking member configured to beinserted into the slot, the first support flap configured to foldtowards the body panel to form a first portion of a hanger featureopening and to allow the first locking member to insert into the slot;and a second support flap extending away from the upper edge andincluding a second locking member configured to be inserted into theslot, the second support flap configured to fold towards the body panelto form a second portion of the hanger feature opening and to allow thesecond locking member to be inserted into the slot; positioning on thebody panel a hanger with a first arm, a second arm, and a hangerfeature; folding the first support flap over the first arm of the hangertowards the body panel; inserting the first locking member into theslot; folding the second support flap over the second arm of the hangertowards the body panel; and inserting the second locking member into theslot, thereby securing the hanger between the body panel and the firstand second support flaps such that the hanger feature extends into thehanger feature opening.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the garmentinsert is formed from a single cardboard blank.
 9. The method of claim7, wherein the body panel includes a width based on a button down shirt,and further comprising inserting the garment insert into a button downshirt.
 10. The method of claim 7, wherein the body panel includes alength based on a button down shirt, and further comprising insertingthe garment insert into a button down shirt.
 11. A garment insertcomprising: a body panel including an upper edge and at least onefastening mechanism below the upper edge; a first support flap extendingaway from the upper edge and including a first locking member configuredto attach to the at least one fastening mechanism, the first supportflap configured to fold towards the body panel to form a first portionof a hanger feature opening and to allow the first locking member toattach to the at least one fastening mechanism; and a second supportflap extending away from the upper edge and including a second lockingmember configured to attach to the at least one fastening mechanism, thesecond support flap configured to fold towards the body panel to form asecond portion of the hanger feature opening and to allow the secondlocking member to attach to the at least one fastening mechanism. 12.The garment insert of claim 11, wherein the first support flap whenfolded creates a first hanger arm opening.
 13. The garment insert ofclaim 11, wherein the second support flap when folded creates a secondhanger arm opening.
 14. The garment insert of claim 11, wherein thegarment insert is formed from a single cardboard blank.
 15. The garmentinsert of claim 11, wherein the body panel includes a width based on abutton down shirt.
 16. The garment insert of claim 11, wherein the bodypanel includes a length based on a button down shirt.